Carbon Nanotube Drawing Holder with Biasing Receiver

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Solution Overview

Problem

Typical drawing apparatuses struggle to hold and process carbon nanotube forms that are several hundreds of micrometers thick, preventing the production of extended forms.

Innovation Solution

A drawing apparatus with a holder and drive unit, featuring a receiver unit to securely hold the carbon nanotube form and a biasing unit to increase adhesion, allowing for reliable formation of extended forms by moving the holder and form relative to each other.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a typical drawing apparatus uses a holding member to hold the grown form, then the structure is simple, but the grown form cannot be reliably held because it is too thick (several hundreds of micrometers)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding reliabilityVSAvoidholder structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into multiple functional components: a receiving portion that accommodates the grown form, a biasing unit that applies force, and a holding member that engages with the receiving portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively, enabling reliable holding of the thick grown form without requiring an overly complex overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving portion acts as an intermediary between the grown form and the holding member. It provides a dedicated space to receive and position the grown form, while the biasing unit mediates the force transmission to ensure reliable holding. This intermediary structure enables effective holding of thick materials without direct engagement between the holding member and the grown form.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the grown form is held without a receiver unit, then the device complexity is low, but the adhesive force is insufficient to reliably hold the thick grown form

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding reliabilityVSAvoidholder structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving portion is pre-configured to receive the grown form in a specific position and orientation before the holding process begins. The biasing unit is pre-positioned to apply force in the correct direction. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the grown form is placed in the receiving portion, it is automatically positioned for reliable holding without requiring additional adjustment or complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing unit changes the physical parameters of the system by applying a controlled force to the grown form within the receiving portion. This force increases the contact pressure and adhesive force between the grown form and the holding member, enabling reliable holding of the thick material. The parameter change is achieved through a relatively simple biasing mechanism rather than complex structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The apparatus effectively holds and processes the carbon nanotube form, enhancing the adhesive force and enabling the production of reliable extended forms, such as carbon nanotube sheets.

Implementation Method 1

the adhesive force between the grown form and the receiver unit increases, thereby reliably holding the part of the grown form

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive force: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3401278B1Drawing device and drawing method
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 LINTEC CORP
  • EP3401278B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3401278B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C

AI summary

A drawing apparatus (10) that draws an extended form from a grown form (CB) produced by growing carbon nanotubes (CT) includes a holder (20) for holding a part of the grown form (CB) and a drive unit (30) for causing a relative movement of the grown form (CB) and the holder (20). The holder (20) includes a holding member (22) having a receiver unit (22A) for receiving a part of the grown form (CB) therein.